Barcelona Hotels

Best places to stay in Barcelona

The Gothic Quarter, Sant Antoni, El Born, and nearby, more budget-friendly El Raval tend to attract most tourists. They are historic districts with cobbled streets and quaint buildings, and they’re the best possible introduction to Barcelona. To be closer to the water but still near key attractions, head to the spacious La Vila Olímpica area, just behind the beach.

The other main beach base is the former village of La Barceloneta, now home to some of the city’s best seafood and within walking distance from the old town. Eixample is an iconic part of the city, home to La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's almost-otherworldly Casa Milà and the cavernous Mercat Els Encants flea market. It has both family-friendly accommodation and some of the fanciest hotels in Barcelona.

To the north of the centre, Gràcia is a leafy and laid-back area home to the Parc Güell; it’s chic, indy and peaceful.

Where to stay to be near the popular attractions

If it’s your first time in Barcelona, make a beeline for the Gothic Quarter, Sant Antoni, El Born or El Raval. These districts house numerous attractions like the La Boqueria market, La Rambla, Plaça de Catalunya, the cathedral, Güell Palace and dozens of museums and shops.

La Barceloneta is also an easy distance from these key sights and has direct beach access. To be close to La Sagrada Familia and more Gaudi architecture, head for Eixample and the streets around the cathedral.

Although there’s almost no upper limit on accommodation prices in this well-heeled district, savvy travellers can sniff out budget options.

Where to stay with your family in Barcelona

The best place to stay with your family in Barcelona depends on whether you’re sea seekers or culture vultures – or a bit of both. Eixample is the most central district, but it’s also the busiest and most overwhelming.

El Born and the Gothic Quarter are the most charming, likely to enchant children and even the most nonchalant of teenagers. Petit Palace Boqueria Garden is a perfect family hotel right in the Gothic quarter. With triple, quadruple and even sextuple rooms, there’s space for everyone, and you’re just steps from La Rambla.

Barceloneta is a great option for families, sandwiched between the beach and the old town and close to The aquarium and zoo.

Where to find cheap hotels in Barcelona

La Vila Olímpica, close to the beach, is packed with hotels for every budget. Funky design and quirky interiors need not come with a high price tag – as Unite Hostel Barcelona proves. You’ll find beds here for as little as £40/night, and the space is as cool and modern as it is practical.

Also less than £100/night, and even closer to the old town, is the Motel One Barcelona - Ciutadella. This chic and colourful hotel is family-friendly, and has a great view from its roof terrace.

The cool Garcia district is awash with budget hotels and hostels. Jam Hostel Barcelona is in the looks-like-a-hotel priced-like-a-hostel school of hostelling, with a student feel and a terrace hosting yoga. Factory Hostels has more of a traditional hostel feel, on the doorstep of Park Guell, and Sant Jordi Hostel Gracia attracts a backpacker crowd.

In the city’s historic districts, solo travellers especially will enjoy the Chic&Basic hotel chain, with its compact and budget-friendly single rooms (doubles and triples available too) – try Chic & Basic Born.

Where to stay as a solo traveller

If it’s your first time in the city, you’ll want to stay close to the attractions. Praktik Bakery is a budget-friendly city-centre address that’s a solo-traveller hotspot. This 3-star hotel sits atop a famous bakery, with the scent of fresh bread, croissants and coffee drifting through the lobby each morning.

El Poblenou is slightly further from the action, with wide streets – its main attractions are the beaches and its famous clubbing scene that runs through to morning. If you’re looking mostly to explore the museums and parks in peace, head right to Montjuïc and Poble Sec, Barcelona’s sleepier corners with shady squares and intellectual galleries. Hotel Brummell is an exceptionally cool address here, with its industrial-chic aesthetic and a jungle of greenery, plus a cool garden with a pool. Gràcia is another peaceful yet trendy area, with the atmosphere of a village-turned-hipster-hangout.

The 10 must-sees of Barcelona

Embark on a journey through Barcelona's architectural marvels, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks with these 10 must-see attractions.

• La Sagrada Familia: Antoni Gaudí's renowned unfinished church, a masterpiece of modernist architecture.

• La Pedrera-Casa Milà: A stunning art nouveau building is known for its unique stone facade and chimney designs.

• Park Güell: A mosaic-clad sculptural park offering panoramic city views and whimsical Gaudí creations.

• Casa Vicens Gaudí: A beautiful Moorish-influenced four-storey house showcasing Gaudí's early work.

• Plaça de Catalunya: A famous, tree-lined square at the heart of Barcelona, bustling with activity.

• Barcelona Zoo: Home to a diverse range of wildlife, offering an enjoyable experience for all ages.

• Güell Palace: An ornate modern mansion that exemplifies Gaudí’s early architectural style.

• Cathedral of Barcelona: A Gothic cathedral with stunning architecture and a rich history.

• Mercado de La Boqueria: A famous market hall known for its fresh produce and vibrant atmosphere.

• La Rambla: Barcelona's iconic shopping street, lined with shops, cafes, and street performers.

(And the beach, of course).

Museums and Cultural Heritage in Barcelona

Explore Barcelona's rich artistic heritage and historical depth through these key museums and cultural sites, each offering a unique window into the city's past and present.

• Picasso Museum: Delve into the extensive collection of Pablo Picasso's works in this dedicated museum.

• Montjuïc Castle: A historic fortress offering panoramic views and a glimpse into Barcelona's military history.

• Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya: A palatial hilltop museum showcasing a magnificent collection of regional art masterpieces.

• Museum of the History of Catalonia: Explore the rich tapestry of Catalonia's past through engaging exhibits.

• Gaudí House Museum: Located in Park Güell, this museum celebrates the life and works of Antoni Gaudí.

• National Museum Barcelona: Features an extensive collection of art, with a focus on Catalan art and design.

• Moco: A modern art museum in Barcelona, featuring contemporary and avant-garde artworks.

Going Shopping and Visiting Markets in Barcelona

Embark on a shopping spree and market exploration in Barcelona, where you can experience everything from bustling food markets to chic high-street fashion and vintage finds.

• Mercat de la Boqueria: A vibrant food market, perfect for soaking up the local atmosphere, albeit often busy.

• La Rambla & Avda. del Portal de l'Àngel: Bustling areas for high-street shopping and souvenirs, capturing the essence of Barcelona’s shopping scene.

• Paseo de Gràcia: The go-to destination for high-end fashion, featuring luxury brands and designer stores.

• Plaza Catalunya: A hub for high-street fashion, offering a variety of popular retail brands.

• El Raval: A treasure trove of vintage shops, ideal for those seeking unique and retro items.

• Sant Antoni: Known for its bookshops and the Mercat de Sant Antoni, a more local alternative to the La Boqueria market.

Hotels with rooftop bars

You're spoilt for choice of hotel rooftop bars in Barcelona, and thank goodness, since the skyline is stunning. Almanac is a chic hotel with what feels like a whole world on its rooftop – an indoor bar with floor-to-ceiling windows, secluded lounge areas, an abundance of greenery and a pool.

At Barcelona’s Edition hotel, you’ll want to dine at least once in The Roof restaurant, with its chic atmosphere, romantic lighting and uninterrupted panorama. Some of the balconies and bathrooms here have incomparable views, too.

For a more budget-friendly option, head to Iberostar Selection Paseo de Gracia. It’s a four-star affair just off La Rambla, with a fantastic rooftop pool and an Instagram-worthy interior.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

Ohla Barcelona opened up in one of the city’s most stylish addresses and managed to snag the youngest French chef ever to win a Michelin star, for their restaurant Caelis. The romantic restaurant, headed by Chef Romain Fornell, has space to watch the masters at work in the open kitchen, as well as intimate dining tables, where you’ll sample one of three exquisite tasting menus that change weekly.

Chef Fornell is also responsible for the indulgent breakfast you’ll receive here. As for the interior, expect modern excellence in the heart of the Gothic quarter, a design focus, and a rooftop pool for aperitifs.

Spa hotels in Barcelona

If you’re seeking a different type of Barcelona getaway, focussing on tranquillity, try the Gran Hotel La Florida. This five-star spa hotel is perched in the hills overlooking the city, with verdant terraced gardens offering an unrivalled view and a spa by L'Occitane – so you know it’s good. There’s an indoor and outdoor pool, jacuzzi, and a variety of treatments and rituals to choose from.

Alternatively, in the heart of the city and just steps from Casa Mila, you’ll find Seventy Barcelona. It’s a cool and modern hotel with a minimalist design and a very photogenic rooftop pool and terrace. The organic, vegan spa has a full treatment menu plus a pool, steam room and sauna in its cocoon-like interior.

Exceptional hotels

When you build a Dubai-esque glass sail on a prominent viewpoint, you’re trying to turn heads. The W Barcelona is as much a work of modern art as it is a luxury hotel, with its glassy facade, sleek modern interior and night-time neon light display. Inside, you’ll meet the future of luxury. The Extreme Wow Suite features space-age furniture, an exceptional balcony, a Gaudí-inspired bar, a foosball table and a pulsating full-wall speaker system and DJ booth. Regular rooms are slightly less breathtaking but no less chic, modern and comfortable. Dine on Peruvian, Japanese or tapas; on the 26th floor, by the pool or on the beach. There are also DJ nights and late-night fiestas, SUP and pilates, a spa, beach access and two next-level pools.

Luxury Hotels in Barcelona

Mandarin Oriental is a brand synonymous with luxury. The Barcelona location, on one of the chicest streets in Eixample, is no exception. The rooms and suites are all about contemporary luxury, featuring calming tones, indulgently deep baths, and premium furniture. There are two elegant indoor restaurants, each with a unique and striking design, a cool bar and a rooftop restaurant serving Peruvian delights al-fresco. There’s also a secluded-feeling rooftop pool, as well as an indoor pool, award-winning spa, and a separate HairSpa. You can book experiences through the hotel, including wine tours, hiking and scuba diving, helicopter tours, yacht excursions and hot-air balloon rides.